I've been inactive as a ham for years now, but I'm looking to get back to my first love--SWLing. Some years ago, I had a Grundig YB-400, which served my listening needs well (mainly broadcast listening, occasional ham/utility). However, I did not like the fact that it lacked a manual tuning knob and that it had chuffing/muting while using the tuning buttons--that didn't make for a smooth listening experience while scanning the bands.

Can anyone recommend a decent, inexpensive receiver (under $200 or so) that allows for pleasant tuning across the bands, preferably with an actual tuning knob?

If you're interested in something new, I recently bought one of these from Universal Radio.http://www.ccrane.com/radios/shortwave-radios/ccradio-sw.aspxIt is not an analog receiver, so it will chuff. Also it will not receive SSB (no BFO).It looks innocuous but on the whole performance is impressive. I'd love to see a schematic. Was initially available to US customers in 2007 as the Redsun RP2000.

If analog tuning (albeit with a digital frequency display) is a must have, there is the Grundig GS350DL. According to the 2009 Passport to World Band Radio (final issue), the GS350DL exhibits some drift. It is an attractive receiver nonetheless.

I have and recommend a Kenwood R-1000 as a decent low cost receiver. It covers 0.5 - 30 MHz in 30 distinct bands, has digital readout, is very stable, and receives SSB, CW, and AM very well. It definitely has a big manual tuning knob, which I also like.

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